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Global Aware Bulletin February and March 2015


Dear Friends,

Thank-you to those who joined us at Elim Church on Saturday 24th January for “Climate Change: A Matter of Faith” and welcome to any new members of the Global Aware family. We hope that this bimonthly bulletin will be an encouragement to you as you continue to be ‘globally aware’ throughout the year.

 “The issue is not can I make all the difference; it is what’s the difference I can make…because today there is always a difference I can make” Dr Rowan Williams

Sometimes when faced with the huge reality of climate change, unfair trade or injustice in the world we can feel overwhelmed and powerless but Rowan’s words remind us that through our actions we can make a difference.

Resources from the Conference:

The whole conference was filmed and all of the talks will be available online in due course. Dr Rowan Williams’ Keynote Speech is already available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoCB9iBzaMI&feature=youtu.be
The powerpoint that should have been showing on the day with information about all of the local actions and movements is attached with contact details to get involved. Please do follow up with the individuals and organisations who were represented on the day.


Prayers
 

1.       Ebola Crisis
Some of the poorest countries in West Africa still face a national emergency as they attempt to tackle the deadly Ebola virus. Pray for an end to this outbreak which has claimed nearly 6,000 lives, left countless children orphaned and stretched poorly resourced health services to the limit.

2.       Violence and hunger in Nigeria
Many thousands of people who’ve fled for their lives from insurgent attacks in Nigeria are now facing the threat of extreme hunger and food shortages. Around 1 million Nigerians have abandoned their homes as a result of attacks by Boko Haram on towns and communities in the country’s north east and tens of thousands have fled to neighbouring Cameroon, Niger and Chad. Pray for the families displaced from their homes, especially those suffering from disease and malnutrition. Pray for those who are grieving loved ones, and pray urgently for peace in Nigeria.

3.       Count Your Blessings
Celebrate the good things in your life this lent with Count Your Blessings. The daily bite-size reflections will inspire you to give, act and pray to bring justice to our world and change the lives of people living in poverty across the globe.Download the App or order/print out the sheet to count your blessings each day during lent with Christian Aid: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/lent  


Actions
 

1.       Volunteer for Fareshare SouthWest
Due to the increased amount of surplus food they are salvaging, FareShare South West are recruiting volunteers:
·         Warehouse & Stock Controllers
·         Drivers & Cycling Couriers
·         Telephonists & administrators
·         Catering & Event support
People welcomed from all walks of life, to help feed bellies NOT bins!
FareShare South West re-distributes over 5 tonnes of food a week to charities in the South West. Contact: Volunteer@faresharesouthwest.org.uk

2.       Get involved in pre- election Campaigning
As we come closer to Election Day our current and prospective politicians are keen to act in a way that will win them more votes in May. We can make the most of this opportunity to influence our politicians and let them know what issues are important to us. Here are two ways to do so:
Tax Dodging Bill
In the first 100 days after the election, we want a bill introduced with support from all of parties in parliament. The bill would:
  • Make it harder for big companies to dodge UK taxes and ensure they’re not getting unfair tax breaks
  • Ensure UK tax rules don’t encourage big companies to avoid tax in countries around the world
  • Make the UK tax regime more transparent and tougher on tax dodging
This could generate £3.6bn for the UK and could also help raise billions for countries around the world.
Find out more and sign the campaign action: http://taxdodgingbill.org.uk/

Time to Act Climate March 7th Marc, London
Every day more people are waking up to climate change. But those in power have not yet woken up, or are unwilling to act. Together with thousands of others we’re heading to London, two months before the election, for a mass demonstration and wake-up call. No more half-hearted promises – it’s Time to Act on Climate Change!
This is a follow up march from the People’s Climate March back in September. For more information visit www.timetoact2015.org . There is a coach travelling from Bristol on the day, and you can book tickets online online. Contact Holly Templer (hollytempler@gmail.com) for any further questions.

3.       Do the Stock-it Challenge during Fairtrade Fortnight (23rd Feb – 8th March)
This Fairtrade Fortnight we need to send a clear message to businesses: we, your customers, want you to stock more products that change lives – because we know the difference Fairtrade makes. To take part, download the Stock It Challenge or order it from the online shop. Hit the streets and visit retailers, community centres and catering establishments to make your voices heard. Have fun!


Events
 

1.       Fairtrade Fortnight in Bristol and South Gloucestershire:
Thornbury Fairtrade Fair
Saturday 28th February, 10am – 12noon, The Swan, Thornbury High Street
Fairtrade stalls, banana campaign update, free tea and coffee and a chance to hear from Angela Jarquin, a Nicaraguan Fairtrade cocoa producer (talks at 10.30 and 11.15).
 
International Women’s Day Celebration 2015
Saturday 7th March, 7pm, Meanwhile Space, St Catherine’s Precinct entrance via Mill Lane, Bedminster
Join us in celebrating International Women's Day 2015 for a night of talks, music and great women! Speakers will include Angela Jarquín, a Nicaraguan Fairtrade cocoa producer, and local women's football team Easton Cowgirls presenting a short film on their recent visit to Palestine. There will also be performances from some of Bristol finest young singer-songwriters from the Gathering Voices pool of talent, and stalls from Fairtrade producers Zaytoun and Palestinian women's co-operatives.
Please reserve your tickets via the link below as there are a limited number, a £3 suggested donation can be given on the door: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-2015-celebration-tickets-15134782542
 
2.       Stories of Hope
Saturday 14th March 10am-12noon @ St Mary’s Church, Yate or 2-4pm @ Thornbury Methodist Church
Join us this March as we prepare for Christian Aid Week. Tekalign Kebede from Christian Aid Ethiopia will be speaking at events across the South West to share first-hand experiences of working with the people featured in this year's Christian Aid Week resources. Come along and hear stories of how your support is helping to transform lives.
For more information: Christian Aid South West
 
3.       Kairos Unbound Training Day
Saturday 28th March, 10am-4pm, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David’s Hill, EX4 3RG
A day for Kairos supporters and activists to engage with Kairos Britain and the Call to Action. During the day you will find out more about the international Kairos movement, including its roots in Kairos Palestine, and how you can campaign, advocate and pray for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel. This is also a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people, and network in your region.
Further information and to book: http://www.kairosbritain.org.uk/news_diary_of_events_46329.aspx
 
With thanks and blessings for all you do,
 
Lydia Nash
(on behalf of the Global Aware Team)
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